Off Sides

British actor Hugh Grant is convinced he is suffering from a life-threatening illness after visiting multiple medical specialists complaining of a chronic neck problem. The Notting Hill star admits he is "fractionally hypochondriac" and has been to see a number of doctors in the hopes of receiving a 'proper' diagnosis and cure for what he has dubbed 'Kitten Syndrome', but he has yet to find a medic who can pinpoint the root of his problem.
The 54 year old explains, "It's happened to me in my middle age, I like to see a specialist at least once a week for a life threatening disease, I do. I love it...
"They can't find what it is (what's wrong)... but there is something very wrong with me. My symptoms don't make sense to anyone. I can only describe them (as)... it's like someone's picked me up by the scruff of the neck, like a kitten, and I feel very weak and the back of my head hurts and my tongue feels very heavy, but it's not there all the time, it just comes on.
"In fact, I call it Kitten Syndrome... It's very difficult to fix. I've seen doctors on both sides of the Atlantic."
Grant reveals the specialist visits have involved a variety of weird treatments - one medic in his native U.K. literally pulled his hair out, leaving him in "agony".
Recalling the experience during an appearance on America's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the actor says, "There was a guy in London I got sent to recently, someone said, 'He's the best man, he's brilliant, brilliant...' and he's a terrifying giant. When I walked into the room he's this huge Irish man with ginger hair and huge beard...
"He put me on a table and tried with all his strength to pull all my limbs off. He then flipped me over... grabbed my hair and ruffled it savagely for... half an hour. It was agony! I was like, 'What the hell are you doing?' He said, 'No, no, no, it's a famous Cherokee cure.'
"I suffered it for half and hour and I looked up and he was there, red faced, sweating, with his hands full of my hair and he said, 'Oh, now you're fixed, that'll be £500'. I paid up, like a lamb, and now I'm much, much worse and I have less hair!"

Rapper Iggy Azalea has undergone laser surgery to have a tattoo tribute to ex-boyfriend A$Ap Rocky removed from her finger.
The Fancy hitmaker split from her fellow hip-hop star in July, 2012 after a year-long romance and she subsequently had her left hand inking, bearing the words 'Live', 'Love', 'A$AP' on the sides of her fingers, altered so as not to feature her ex's name.
Last year (13), Azalea insisted she had no plans to remove the design, saying, "I f**king loved him, I know he loved me too. I felt like he was somebody I could count on who loved me for being me, and I don't want to forget that.
"I would sacrifice a quarter of a pinky (finger) for those memories. That's why I didn't cross it out all the way, because if I'd covered it up all the way, that says I'm embarrassed. You shouldn't be ashamed of the trials of becoming an adult."
But now it appears the Australian native, who is dating Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Nick Young, has since had a change of heart after she was spotted at the Dr. Tattoff clinic in Beverly Hills on Tuesday (02Dec14).
She was later photographed with a bandage around her left pinky finger, suggesting she has begun the process to have the ink removed.

Uma Thurman is hoping to reach an agreement with her former fiance and settle their child custody battle out of court, according to the actress' representative. The Kill Bill star's former partner Arpad Busson filed legal papers in New York City on Tuesday (14Oct14) requesting an emergency court order to grant him physical custody of the former couple's two-year-old daughter Rosalind, who is nicknamed Luna.
Thurman's representative has now insisted the court battle is linked to negotiations over Busson's visitation rights, and they hope to have it settled very soon.
The spokesperson tells New York Post gossip column Page Six, "It is unfortunate that this very private discussion regarding Mr. Busson's visitation rights... has been made public... we are optimistic that a fair agreement for both sides will be reached out of court."
Thurman and Busson ended their on/off relationship earlier this year (14). The actress has two other children with fellow Hollywood star Ethan Hawke, while Busson has two sons with supermodel Elle Macpherson.

Argentina's U.K ambassador has accused British TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson of fabricating his tale of Top Gear's doomed trip to Argentina to boost ratings. The British star caused controversy by driving a car with the licence plate 'H982 FKL' during the U.K. motoring show's recent shoot in the South American nation.
The stunt was considered a mocking reference to the Falklands War of 1982, and Clarkson claimed the cast and crew's lives were put at risk when they were chased by an angry mob which pelted the cars with stones. He also alleged the violence forced them to flee the country.
However, Alicia Castro, the U.K's Argentinian ambassador, has now written an impassioned response to an article Clarkson wrote in Britain's The Sunday Times newspaper detailing his trip.
Castro accuses Clarkson of exaggerating his tale and fabricating much of the detail, while she also claims he has unfairly depicted Argentinians as "savages" and put off prospective British tourists.
In an article for Britain's The Independent newspaper, Castro writes, "He describes being ambushed by a mob brandishing 'pickaxes'. Later... he recounts another scene: Clarkson claims that a mob was trying to burn the crew's cars - which I understand did not actually happen - and he goes so far as to affirm that 'One said they were going to barbecue us and eat the meat'.
"Clarkson's imperialistic imagination is remarkably fertile: Argentina has never practised cannibalism. We do, it is true, eat a lot of beef. But we have never eaten a journalist... It may be too much to ask of people whose job it is to produce shows, that they refrain from fabricating such a horror story or tale of adventure just to get publicity and increase ratings."
Castro insists local authorities brought crew members to safety once the unrest began and concludes the article by asking the star and his crew to treat the Falklands conflict with more respect because so many soldiers lost their lives in the conflict.
She adds, "The conflict in the South Atlantic - and especially the memory of those who lost their lives in the war on both sides - deserve to be treated not with malicious mockery, but with understanding and respect."

Thriller Gone Girl is proving to be a runaway success by topping the box office charts on both sides of the Atlantic. The film, starring Ben Affleck as a writer whose wife goes missing, shook off all its rivals on its opening weekend (03-05Oct14) in the U.S. and now it has repeated the feat in the U.K.
Gone Girl raked in ticket sales of $6.5 million (£4.1 million) in Britain, easily outselling its rival new release Dracula Untold, which took second place with $2.7 million (£1.7 million).
Denzel Washington's thriller The Equalizer fell one place to third, with $1.9 million (£1.2 million), and The Boxtrolls also dropped one position to fourth, with $1.6 million (£983,015).
What We Did On Our Holiday rounded out the top five, taking $1.1 million (£728,228).

New mum Amy Lee has revealed she has no plans for Evanescence for "the foreseeable future". The singer has just released the Aftermath soundtrack for the War Story movie and admits fans of her group needn't hold their breath as they await new material - because it could be some way off.
She tells Rolling Stone, "The situation is we're not doing it now. I don't like to make predictions about the future, because I'm honestly open-minded, and I would never want to say I'm done with any of it, because it's a huge part of me. I've loved my time with Evanescence, I wouldn't want to just throw it away, but, for the foreseeable future, I don't have any plans to do anything with the band.
"It's really important to me to take some time to show some different sides of myself... There does need to be other outlets for me to make music."
And Lee admits that motherhood has made her rethink her life as a touring rock star, adding, "The days of living on the road and an album cycle be this giant daunting thing of working in the studio for six months then going on the road for a year or two, they're behind me (sic)."
Lee became a first-time mum in July (14) when she gave birth to son Jack Lion.

Josiah True/ WENN
It’s more than likely that your first interactions with George Takei took place aboard the Starship Enterprise. The then little-known actor boarded Gene Roddenberry’s groundbreaking Star Trek series at age 29, working to redefine both his own career and the way that Asians and Asian Americans would be depicted on television forever. It’s also a rather fair bet that your most recent taste of Takei came in the form of social media: Now 74, the film and television veteran has gained a refreshed notability for his amicable presence on Twitter and Facebook, where he is known to share a wide variety of visual and verbal gags as well as his inspiring messages of tolerance and progressive thought. But there is a whole lot of Takei in between the early days of Sulu and the current era of hashtagged witticisms, and that is vast middle section is chronicled in the new documentary To Be Takei.
The third feature-length project from filmmaker Jennifer M. Kroot, whose previous endeavors include the 2003 sci-fi/fantasy Sirens of the 23rd Century and the 2009 biographical doc It Came from Kuchar, details the professional achievements, political activism, and personal life of Takei, who proves to be as accomplished as he is downright likable. The weight with which Kroot approaches the three principal aspects of Kroot’s life tends to vary, leaning in favor of his work for gay rights, but we find ourselves duly engrossed in his personal and professional stories just the same.
The ProfessionalWe learn quite a bit about Takei’s own perspective on his early works (the pre-Sulu days), particularly those that he finds retroactively repugnant due to their embrace of racial stereotyping. Takei recounts the days when the only roles an Asian-American actor might procure were demeaning or even vilifying — clips from Green Berets, Which Way to the Front, and familiar small screen titles like Mission: Impossible and Perry Mason showcase some of Takei’s earlier, more regrettable turns… ones that he was forced to endure in order to make a name for himself in the far more regressive ‘60s and ‘70s.
The PersonalConsidering his family’s personal history, it’s no surprise that Takei has taken particular efforts to quell the negative depiction of Asians and Asian Americans in the United States. In Takei’s childhood, he and his family were imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp, as was not unusual for immigrants and American citizens of Asian descent during World War II. To Be Takei offers a great deal of heartrending footage devoted to Takei describing his family’s hardships during this period — the Hollywood legend illustrates his indomitable admiration for his parents, who exhibited charity and strength of will throughout the nightmare.
But the documentary also pays due attention to the lighter side of Takei’s personal journey, showcasing his relationship with husband Brad Altman: the love of his life… and occasional victim of his ceaseless brutal honesty (at one point, Altman laments Takei’s proclivity for telling people when they have gained a bit of weight, a habit that George himself doesn’t seem to find problematic). Perhaps the most enjoyable bits in the film are those that allow the audience to watch Takei and Altman spend lazy days together, joking and bickering, showing off their complementary incurable merriment (George) and high-strung neuroses (Brad). It’s charming, it’s funny, and it’s indicative of real, healthy love.
The PoliticalFinally, there wouldn’t be much of a story if Takei had not become such a prominent figure in the fight for a more progressive attitude toward ethnic minorities and gay men and women. We see Takei’s spotlighted wedding to Brad (conducted by friend and former colleague Nichelle Nichols), his acceptance of a variety of awards recognizing his work in the area of LGBT rights, and — perhaps his greatest sociopolitical contribution to date — his public lambasting of William Shatner.
No matter when and where you met Takei, be it back during his journeys across the galaxies or amid one of his recent highly celebrated punny tweets, your interests in the man as an actor, a public figure, and a man will be sated by the cheerful, informative doc To Be Takei. Check out the film in select theaters or on VOD now.

Paramount Pictures
As the fall draws closer, it brings with it the start of Oscar season, when every studio unveils its biggest, buzziest and most dramatic films in an attempt to earn some recognition on the biggest night in Hollywood. And while every year does turn out a great deal of excellent films and incredible performances, at a certain point they all start to feel the same, with one domestic drama blending into another and period pieces all attempting to outshine each other. But there is some variety hidden amongst the Oscar bait, with some films providing original, interesting stories or creative twists on classic plots. In case you’re looking to add some variety to your fall film lineup, we’ve run down the best, most original awards bait hitting theaters this fall. Once December hits, however, it's every moviegoer for himself.
Interstellar Smack dab in the middle of Oscar season, Christopher Nolan will finally unveil his latest epic, Interstellar. Part post-apocalyptic drama, part space opera, part Hollywood blockbuster, and Phase II of the McConaissance, the film follows a group of explorers who set off in for a wormhole that will allow them to travel from one solar system to another in search of resources that can save the earth now that it’s run out of food. So, you know, just your usual low-key, easy to follow, low-stakes story. Opens: November 7
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby Every year, there’s at least one Oscar baity film the centers on a relationship falling apart, but The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby puts a new spin on that old classic by creating an epic, two-part film that tells the story from both his (James McAvoy) and her (Jessica Chastain) perspectives. Since premiering at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival to rave reviews, we’ve been waiting impatiently for our chance to see the film. As it turns out, we’ll actually get two: a one-film version which blends both sides together will be released along with the original two-film version. Opens: September 12
The Boxtrolls Of all the films being released at the end of 2014 – war epics, biopics, highly-anticipated comebacks – one of the most exciting is an animated film about the friendly trolls who live under the sewers of a small English village. That’s because The Boxtrolls is the latest film from Laika, the stop-motion studio that has made such wonderful films as Coraline and ParaNorman. Like its predecessors, The Boxtrolls looks like an incredibly detailed, magical, funny adventure, but unlike them, we’re hoping that the studio will finally be able to get the recognition they deserve for their labors of love. And with no Disney or Pixar films to compete, they might finally have a shot. Opens: September 26
Gone Girl We know, we know: you’re probably sick of hearing about Gone Girl. But the buzz surrounding the film, its stars, the book it’s based on doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon, so you might as well embrace it. Besides, it gives us yet another opportunity to study the enigma that is Ben Affleck’s career. Will he get a third Oscar for this? Will it finally make people take him seriously as an actor and filmmaker? Are we all going to stop praising him the second the first trailer for Batman V. Superman comes out? Nobody knows. Opens: October 3
Sony Pictures Releasing
Fury It wouldn’t be awards season without a World War II drama, and 2014 is no exception. However, in addition to the typical slate of inspiring biopics and domestic dramas about the home-front, Brad Pitt and David Ayer are offering Fury. It’s a small-scale – well, as small scale as a world war gets – film about the lives and missions of a single tank crew tasked with venturing behind enemy lines, and it features a cast of acclaimed, yet underappreciated actors like Logan Lerman, Jon Berenthal, and Michael Pena. Just when you thought you’d seen every single war drama that’s been made, there finally comes one that’s actually intriguing. Opens: November 14
Kill the Messenger His Avengers co-star Robert Downey Jr. might have a higher-profile film opening that day, but we’re much more interested in Jeremy Renner’s Kill the Messenger. Based on the true story of Gary Webb, a reporter who uncovered the CIA’s connection to the Nicaraguan drug trade, the film centers on the manhunt that Webb became a part of after going public with his evidence. It’s the biggest, most intense role that Renner has had since The Hurt Locker, and after years of being overlooked in favor of his showier co-star, we’re excited to see him get some of the attention he deserves. Opens: October 10
Birdman Everyone love a comeback story, right? Well, how about one that’s a little more surreal? That’s what Michael Keaton is going for with his upcoming film Birdman, which takes places over the course of the several days in which washed-up actor Riggan Thompson, who made his name as superhero, attempts to mount a comeback with a play that he wrote, directed and is starring in. With Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu at the helm and a cast featuring Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, and Edward Norton, we’d be interested in this even if it weren’t Keaton’s first big film in years. Opens: October 17
Beyond the Lights After winning over audiences everywhere with her breakthrough role in Amma Asante’s Belle, Gugu Mbatha-Raw is set to prove that she can do more than just period pieces with Beyond the Lights. Mbatha-Raw plays Noni, a Rihanna-like pop star struggling with being a puppet for her pushy stage mom and greedy record executives, who finds joy in a relationship with down-to-earth cop Kaz (Nate Parker). The story might be familiar to anyone who saw Britney Spears’ “Lucky” video, but it’s the perfect opportunity for Mbatha-Raw to really showcase her talent with a role that requires her to sing, dance, fall in love, and break our hearts. Opens: November 14
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Former Destiny'S Child star Farrah Franklin has urged critics not to speculate about her disorderly conduct arrest on Sunday (20Jul14). The singer, 33, was taken into custody by police in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina after enjoying a night out with American football players Da'Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp.
They returned to Sapp's home in the early hours of Sunday, but the sportsmen called cops after Franklin started shouting and slamming doors, according to TMZ.com. She ran off and was allegedly found lying intoxicated on a neighbour's front yard.
Franklin, who was subsequently released on bail, has yet to open up about the events which led to her arrest, but she took to her Twitter.com blog on Monday (21Jul14) to thank fans for their messages of support and blast those who were mocking her legal troubles.
In a series of posts, she wrote, "Unbothered and staying prayed up (sic) and, away from any negativity... Don't judge what you don't know.
"The sad thing is people LIVE for drama but run from the truth, Smh (shaking my head). There's always 3 sides to a story your side, my side and the TRUTH! But the truth is normally not as interesting as a lie, lol (laugh out loud).
"Thank you to EVERYONE who has reached out to send me love and Blessings during this messy time in my life it's greatly appreciated."
She added, "I pray for God to give me strength in every weak and weary place in My life and, for Him to turn My obstacles into Victories. Amen... God gives all of his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers."
Franklin was briefly a member of Beyonce's girl group before she was dismissed in 2000.

Harry Potter star Emma Watson and Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence showed off their playful sides at the Dior Fashion Show in Paris, France on Monday (07Jul14) by acting silly in front of photographers. The pair laughed as Lawrence pretended to swipe Watson in the face at the stylish event.

Synopsis

A football field becomes the confrontation site between a small-town police department headed by its peace-loving chief (Roche) and a band of local hippies led by his son (Goodeve) who decide to settle their differences on the gridiron. Tony Randall is a bearded guru -- a successful insurance agent who dropped out -- chosen to coach the hippies in this film, set in the late '60s, based on a short movie by Jack Epps, Jr., that won a Blue Ribbon from the American Film Institute. Made as "Pigs vs. Freaks" (the same title as Epps' 1970 short film), it sat on the shelf for more than four years before premiering, although initially it had been scheduled to be shown in November of 1980.